Temporalis Aeternitas [Second Version]

Italian 17th Century

1685

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque Allegory

About this work

This drawing is packed with busy, swirling scenes. In the center, an older man with a long beard stands holding a stick. Around him, people are scattered—some sitting, some standing, some even floating. Trees and rocks fill the background, all tangled together in a wild mix. The man’s face looks serious, like he’s thinking hard. The whole scene feels like it’s telling a story, but it’s not clear what. The lines are sharp and detailed, almost like the artist scratched them into the paper. If you like this style, check out etching to see how it’s made.